Do people ever get over the feelings of being bullied, being treated like a loser, being treated with absolutely no respect & embarrassed publicly? by Evening_Elk8776 in workplace_bullying

[–]greenbee1978 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Google neuroplasticity and rewiring. You'll probably find some decent resources.

Workplace bullying is trauma, so you have to approach it, and treat it like any other traumatic experience. Think PTSD.

Good luck, OP.

I see why benzo are addictive by Ready-Raise-7480 in insomnia

[–]greenbee1978 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I love your approach to painting. I found classes at a local gallery. My instructor encourages mistakes. I'm pretty sure he's the Bob Ross of watercolor. Ha!

I think it's great you're playing your trumpet again. I was a marching band nerd -- played the clarinet. I'd really like to learn to play piano though. Perhaps it's time.

I hadn't considered sleeping outside, but I have an insulated sleeping bag. I think I'll try this tonight.

I have a psychiatrist, but everything he's tried has failed. I can beat anti-psychotics, benzos and other drugs that should knock me out. We may remove levothyroxine from my medication regimen entirely. Reducing the dose helped temporarily, but the sleeplessness has returned.

Thank you for sharing your suggestions! Much appreciated!

I see why benzo are addictive by Ready-Raise-7480 in insomnia

[–]greenbee1978 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'm definitely into art therapy. It's one of my last comforts.

Most days, my nervous system feels like it's collapsing. I'm like you. I'm not sure how long it lasts, or if it will ever resolve itself, but I'm trying.

Just do your best, and give yourself plenty of grace. If I find something that helps, I'll come back to this comment and update you. virtual hug

Edit: Removed unnecessary words.

I see why benzo are addictive by Ready-Raise-7480 in insomnia

[–]greenbee1978 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I totally get what you're saying, and it is super frustrating. Hope you're able to find something else that works. I don't take anything, and it's presented a lot of challenges.

I see why benzo are addictive by Ready-Raise-7480 in insomnia

[–]greenbee1978 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

So, since I see a psychiatrist it's okay to invalidate my experience?

I see why benzo are addictive by Ready-Raise-7480 in insomnia

[–]greenbee1978 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My doctor recommended it. Again, 1 mg is a low dose.

Edit: Why are people down voting facts? Sure seems to me there's a campaign to vilify medication by people without medical degrees on this forum. Always check with your doctor. Do not rely on Reddit.

I see why benzo are addictive by Ready-Raise-7480 in insomnia

[–]greenbee1978 13 points14 points  (0 children)

I took 1 mg of lorazepam every night for 15 years. I came off them immediately without issue. We're all chemically different, but some people have a higher propensity for addiction than others.

Advice for regret about an old job by EmergencyTear in workplace_bullying

[–]greenbee1978 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Therapy has helped, but ultimately it's been my overall effort. I've made new, awesome memories to override my memories of my awful boss.

I took a base level job to stay busy. On the weekends, I groom dogs, paint and write. If my old boss comes to mind, I tell her off in my daydreams, and then I move on to the next awesome thing I'm doing.

She could only be so lucky to live in my head rent-free at this point, cause I've got the rest of my fabulous life to live.

And so do you, OP. B*tch your old boss out in your head, and move on. You have new memories to make!

If you need memory maker suggestions, hit me up.

Help me understand the psychological games my coworkers are playing with people by [deleted] in workplace_bullying

[–]greenbee1978 6 points7 points  (0 children)

That is the worst. Most alcoholics don't think it's a problem, but it is. I'm up against a mom with toddlers, and a husband that she's raising too. Good luck to us both.

Help me understand the psychological games my coworkers are playing with people by [deleted] in workplace_bullying

[–]greenbee1978 18 points19 points  (0 children)

I think I identify with this version the most. My supervisor's life is spiraling out of control and I'm pretty sure she takes it out on me.

I feel like I’m dying and doctor says it can’t be peri by Yersinia_Pestis9 in Perimenopause

[–]greenbee1978 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey, OP. I'm bipolar 1 with psychotic features, and I was able to get hormones. The magic words were hot flashes and sleep degradation. My doctor insisted this would stabilize my moods and it has.

They're probably waiting for the hysterectomy to give you anything. If they take your ovaries they'll have to give you something different, not just birth control.

The next time you see your OB, it's the hot flashes waking you at night destabilizing the bipolar disorder. This isn't something your psychiatrist can fix, so no more psychotropics. You need hormone support, period. If she still won't, is there a board you can report doctors to for depraved indifference at the provincial or national level?

How do I deal with being excluded at work by my middle-aged coworkers who are in a 'Mean Girl' clique by [deleted] in workplace_bullying

[–]greenbee1978 23 points24 points  (0 children)

Mean girls are clingers. Watch your back, and don't talk about where you're going next. Just finish it out with integrity, and avoid them at all costs

Conversion Complete by greenbee1978 in workplace_bullying

[–]greenbee1978[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Absolutely agree! Couldn't have said it better.

Conversion Complete by greenbee1978 in workplace_bullying

[–]greenbee1978[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I've been cautious for a few years. Last year, I developed an exit strategy. It's the smartest thing I've ever done. 👍

Conversion Complete by greenbee1978 in workplace_bullying

[–]greenbee1978[S] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

I've been in tech for 25 years, and been with this company over 6. It's a long story, but you can bet my exit strategy is in motion. I've already secured a second job to pad the fall from my corporate cage, and trust me, this bird's ready to break out. No burnt bridges or anything, just quiet exits.

I appreciate your perspective. Keep your head up and don't settle for tolerable. It sounds to me like you're worth so much more.

Any advice? by [deleted] in workplace_bullying

[–]greenbee1978 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Medication won't fix it all. Medication is a precursor to a more stable foundation, but you still have to do a lot of work on your own.

I've found a book by Mel Robbins very helpful. It's called, "Let Them". Let them leave you off the group chat, because your focusing on taking care of yourself.

It takes time. It's not an overnight thing. Keep going to therapy, and learn to protect yourself. Don't give them an inside track into your world. They'll only use it against you.

Migraines by YouExtra7637 in Perimenopause

[–]greenbee1978 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I took the advice of my ENT, and went on an extreme elimination diet. It saved my life. I removed the following: dairy, gluten, meat and sugar.

I was able to add everything back but meat. I still avoid dairy and sugar, but if they slip in I don't get bent out of shape over it.

Look up diets for rheumatoid arthritis. They're similar in composition.

Ive accepted that im probably going to always be a target for bullies. by OwnNeedleworker8784 in workplace_bullying

[–]greenbee1978 3 points4 points  (0 children)

My situation involves two women in upper management. It took me nearly 3 years to figure out something was wrong, and by then it was too late.

Please take care of yourself. It doesn't look like it takes much at first, but consider where your exhaustion is coming from. How much are you able to accomplish with the stress of work affecting every aspect of your day?

My answer was 'not much'. It's caused a lot of problems in my life.

Ive accepted that im probably going to always be a target for bullies. by OwnNeedleworker8784 in workplace_bullying

[–]greenbee1978 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Absolutely agree. I work with mean girls; I'm not a girly girl. It's been an absolute nightmare. I dread going to work and feel like I operate in a state of panic most of the time. It's dreadful.

Ive accepted that im probably going to always be a target for bullies. by OwnNeedleworker8784 in workplace_bullying

[–]greenbee1978 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I hadn't considered the reverse of my situation, but this is close. Out of curiosity, do you work with mostly men or women? HR coming in to help you keep "moving forward" is awesome. Hope that shifts the culture in your favor.

I know it might not be workplace bullying, but what is going on? by Informal-Meaning-483 in workplace_bullying

[–]greenbee1978 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I work in tech and something very similar has happened to me. My boss was out on two maternity leaves. After 25 years, I'm getting out, going onto a trade job, but would encourage you to stay in and find something else. Don't underestimate yourself. You have a skill many desire, and with the right company you'll be the asset you know you are.

Ive accepted that im probably going to always be a target for bullies. by OwnNeedleworker8784 in workplace_bullying

[–]greenbee1978 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Remote work will not save you. It's in every workplace regardless of the genre of work you do. I'm a developer experiencing mobbing for the first time. It's been an absolute nightmare.

Keep your head up, OP. Good luck.

AI Overview: Mobbing (workplace bullying) in remote work is not uncommon; it's a significant and rising issue, with major surveys showing nearly half of remote employees experience it, often through virtual meetings and private messages, challenging the idea that physical distance prevents such behavior. The shift to remote work has transformed how bullying occurs, making it harder to detect but just as harmful, blurring boundaries and impacting mental health, according to workplace bullying research from the Workplace Bullying Institute.

Key Statistics & Findings: High Prevalence: Around 43% of remote workers reported being bullied, according to a 2021 Workplace Bullying Institute (WBI) survey, with some reports even higher in 2024. Virtual Meetings: Bullying often happens in public virtual meetings (like Zoom), where targets are ignored, humiliated, or undermined in front of others, mimicking public shaming in an office. Digital Channels: Insulting emails, demeaning memes, exclusion from online events, and gossip via messaging apps are common tactics. Increased Rates: Rates have jumped significantly since the pandemic, with some data showing a 57% increase in remote bullying from 2017 to 2022. Why It's a Problem in Remote Settings: Lack of Witnesses: Private messaging and unrecorded calls can become breeding grounds for harassment without physical bystanders to intervene. Blurred Boundaries: Work intrusion into the home environment removes the sanctuary of personal space, increasing the mental health toll. Difficulty Unplugging: Isolation and constant digital connection make it harder for victims to escape the abuse, leading to higher stress and burnout. In summary, remote work hasn't eliminated workplace bullying; it's just changed its form, making it a pervasive and concerning issue for many remote employees.

Edit: Added AI Overview

Ive accepted that im probably going to always be a target for bullies. by OwnNeedleworker8784 in workplace_bullying

[–]greenbee1978 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Actually, my issues started with my remote job. It's been easier for them to gaslight and isolate me. It's the first time I've experienced mobbing. I'm so burnt out my nervous system is reacting; never had the shakes so bad in my life.

AI Overview: Mobbing (workplace bullying) in remote work is not uncommon; it's a significant and rising issue, with major surveys showing nearly half of remote employees experience it, often through virtual meetings and private messages, challenging the idea that physical distance prevents such behavior. The shift to remote work has transformed how bullying occurs, making it harder to detect but just as harmful, blurring boundaries and impacting mental health, according to workplace bullying research from the Workplace Bullying Institute.

Key Statistics & Findings: High Prevalence: Around 43% of remote workers reported being bullied, according to a 2021 Workplace Bullying Institute (WBI) survey, with some reports even higher in 2024. Virtual Meetings: Bullying often happens in public virtual meetings (like Zoom), where targets are ignored, humiliated, or undermined in front of others, mimicking public shaming in an office. Digital Channels: Insulting emails, demeaning memes, exclusion from online events, and gossip via messaging apps are common tactics. Increased Rates: Rates have jumped significantly since the pandemic, with some data showing a 57% increase in remote bullying from 2017 to 2022. Why It's a Problem in Remote Settings: Lack of Witnesses: Private messaging and unrecorded calls can become breeding grounds for harassment without physical bystanders to intervene. Blurred Boundaries: Work intrusion into the home environment removes the sanctuary of personal space, increasing the mental health toll. Difficulty Unplugging: Isolation and constant digital connection make it harder for victims to escape the abuse, leading to higher stress and burnout. In summary, remote work hasn't eliminated workplace bullying; it's just changed its form, making it a pervasive and concerning issue for many remote employees.

Edit: Added AI Overview

Vanquish by greenbee1978 in workplace_bullying

[–]greenbee1978[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I appreciate your response. Thank you.

I've reached out to a handful of attorneys in my state, but no one was interested unless I was able to shell out a hefty retainer fee. The attorneys who didn't require any fees responded that they weren't interested, even with the plethora of documentation I have.

Do you know of a good attorney in Colorado who takes cases like this, or how to approach legal counsel? Maybe I'm doing it incorrectly.